Bolton Wanderers are delighted to announce the signing of Republic of Ireland international goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu from Southampton for an undisclosed fee, on a three-year contract.
The 24-year-old becomes Wanderers' latest addition of a busy summer window, arriving at the Toughsheet Community Stadium with more than 150 senior appearances behind him across the Premier League, the Championship, League One and European football.
Bazunu's rise has been one of the most striking of his generation. He made his senior debut for Shamrock Rovers at just 16, and by the age of 17 had earned a move to Manchester City. Two loan spells in English football followed - first at Rochdale, then a standout campaign at Portsmouth, where he was named Players' Player of the Year, Player of the Season and selected in the PFA League One Team of the Year.
That form earned him a club-record goalkeeping move to Southampton in the summer of 2022, where he went straight into the side and made 30-plus Premier League appearances in his first season at St Mary's. He was also a key figure in the Saints' promotion-winning Championship campaign of 2023/24 before a serious Achilles injury interrupted his progress.
Since returning to fitness, Bazunu has added further experience with spells at Standard Liège in Belgium and, most recently, Stoke City in the Championship.
Internationally, he has been capped at every level by the Republic of Ireland, making his senior debut in March 2021 at the age of 19 and going on to establish himself as his country’s first-choice goalkeeper.
He will now compete for the number one shirt as Wanderers prepare for their first full season back in the Championship under Head Coach Steven Schumacher.
Sporting Director Fergal Harkin knows the goalkeeper well, having worked at both Manchester City and Standard Liège during Bazunu’s time with each club.
Speaking to Wanderers TV, Bazunu said: “It’s obviously a club with massive history. I see it as a place where I can come and progress my personal career, while helping the team with their ambitions of getting back to where they belong.
“I want to get back to being in a position where I’m playing week in, week out and enjoying my football again. My big aim and ambition here is to play as many games as I can and show my levels.
“I’m excited to be here and excited for what’s to come. I’m sure all the other new signings will have said the same thing, but we’re excited to get going, show our qualities and show where this team belongs.”
Watch Gavin’s first interview in full on Wanderers TV.